A new place to unwind is opening in downtown Miami on Saturday: Bikram Brickell Hot Yoga studio.

Various community bold facers and members of the studio are expected to attend the opening party Saturday night, including yoga guru Bikram Choudhury, who will lead a traditional Indian lighting of the lamp ceremony to bring the site good luck.

Choudhury, who has worked with Michael Jackson, Shirley MacLaine and Lady Gaga, will also auction off a Rolls-Royce that belonged to Gypsy Rose Lee. Proceeds benefit victims of the Japan earthquake. Dancing and drinks will follow at Dolores You Can Call Me Lolita, with sounds by DJ A-ROG, Bikram’s son.

The studio’s owner, Nacho Cano, formerly of the Spanish group Mecano, swears by Bikram. Seven years ago, he had a scare after a botched operation for a hiatal hernia.

“I just felt pain, pain, pain, from morning to night,’’ the musician, 48, recalled. “I’d take 52 pills a day, from antidepressants, everything.’’

After two years of hell, he discovered Bikram yoga, doing stretching and core strength exercises in a room heated up to 105 degrees. “It was the only thing that helped me,’’ said Cano, who underwent a new operation and is fine. “It was a healing process inside and out.’’

Why has the discipline grown so popular? “When you are a star, your life is a little unstable and needs something with roots,’’ Cano said. “People around you are acting. You’re not living a real life, and this puts you in reality.’’

Bikram, 65, is also a celebrity himself. “He’s someone who likes to have fun; he has charisma,’’ Cano said. “He’s not your normal guru.’’

Madeleine Marr

For membership and party info: 305-416-0251; www.miamibikrambrickell.com/products-page

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/19/2223256/bikram-choudhury-coming-to-town.html#ixzz1Pp2AOZcn